Under the terms of this partnership agreement, both the companies will be joining forces to offer a range of products and services that will help in driving productivity as well as facilitate customers to be more agile in their everyday technology needs.

Precisely, both the companies will bring together integrated cloud-based services, software applications, mobile services and devices over Qtel’s (News - Alert) converged network. In addition to expanding Qtel’s service portfolio, the alliance will also help in delivering various new digital entertainment experiences for consumers to enjoy - in the home and even on the go.

According to Dr. Nasser Marafih, CEO of Qtel, the partnership was signed to deliver truly integrated and innovative communications services to business and consumer markets. Apart from delivering world-leading services and applications from Microsoft (News - Alert) over Qtel’s networks, the collaborative approach will provide company’s subscribers with new digital entertainment through seamless one-click, one-touch user experience.

“Qtel’s efforts will add a distinct element of mobility and connectivity to enrich the overall experience for people, to make the technology truly come alive,” Marafih added. “For businesses, Qtel will deliver unified communications offerings — a combination of telephony, e-mail, mobility, conferencing, collaboration and tools like ‘presence’ — to fuel a sense of real possibility and potential across the region.”

Planning to roll-out first products by mid-2010, both Qtel and Microsoft have also planned to engage in several work streams such as joint sales and marketing, solutions collaboration, and corporate citizenship initiatives. Both the companies will focus on developing emerging technologies to create compelling innovative solutions for Qtel customers, said officials.

In the first phase, both the companies have planned to run mobile e-learning pilot projects in Kuwait, Qatar and Oman. These mobile e-learning projects will facilitate students and teachers with the ability to easily communicate, collaborate and access various educational services by utilizing solutions such as Windows Phone (News - Alert) and the Windows Live platform.

Other services contemplated under this partnership include - the delivery of value-added services across the PC, phone, TV and gaming.